Smashing Magazine, that great source of all web design and development articles, released their first book, “The Smashing Book”. Due to some printing issues (which the Smashing Staff was good about communicating), it was supposed to come out in August, but I actually got mine toward the end of December. Regardless, it arrived and it is such a nicely done package that it was worth the wait. Smashing Magazine took all of there great ideas from the blog, and combined into The Smashing Book that has just about everything you need to know to create smashingly amazing websites.

So my mini review is as follows. I know, I just got around to reading it, but I have been busy and it was worth the wait. The book features 311 colored pages of essential information in topics ranging from User Interface Design to Websites Optimization to Typography. Each chapter is written from different authors in the field, so it gives a comprehension and complete package of information with many different perspectives. I am not going to go through all of the chapters, but point out a few that I thought were really well done.

The Art and Science of CSS Layouts

In this chapter, the authors, go through the different CSS layouts, fixed-width, fluid, elastic and hybrid, explaining the pros and cons of each one. Each explanation is accompanied by examples, CSS code, and a website that had achieved those layouts.

Typography: Rules, Guidelines and Common Mistakes

This chapter goes into details about best practices in the area if typography in design. It starts with a definition of terminology used in typography, which though basic is a needed foundation. Then, the authors talk about the need for white space in design, which then leads into the need to provide balance and legibility in a design.

How to turn a site into a Remarkable Brand

Chris Spooner, (who I think is “all that”) writes about the importance of creating a website that is new and fresh, but also how that stylish website must provide new and useful information in order for you to make it in your field.  I  liked his explanation of the idea of using social networking sites as a way to promote your site.

Conclusion

All in all, I think the Smashing Book is a very good book for intro to mid-level designers, and I liked how it touched upon the basics in a visually pleasing and original way. If you read the SM blog as much as I do, then this book is a good buy. You can order your copy of The Smashing Book yet, order it here. I do hope they continue to produce books (maybe offering it in PDF format as well) but I also hope the next book is either more on development, or a little more advanced. I think there isn’t anything wrong with offering books on all levels and all topics. SM is off to a good start here, and I hope they continue!